The world's shortest flight is less than two miles and takes just 53 seconds… and it's in the UK

The Irish Sun

28-04-2025

THE shortest scheduled passenger flight in the world
takes place between two Scottish islands.
From take off to landing, this entire journey takes just 90 seconds.
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Residents and visitors of two Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland can experience the world's shortest passenger flight
Credit: Alamy
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Loganair and Flybe operate the 90-seconf route between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands
Credit: Alamy
Connecting Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, this unique route has proved the most efficient for residents and tourists alike.
From take off to landing, the flight covers a total of 1.7 miles, and only spends 53 seconds in the air.
The speedy flights run every day and are less frivolous than they might seem.
For the residents of the two isles, there is no cheaper or easier alternative available.
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A ferry making the same journey between the two islands takes 25 minutes.
Despite their close proximity no bridges exist to connect the two islands.
And since the entire population of Papa Westray clocks in at just 90 people, it's unlikely any funding will go towards such a project.
The flight journey is mainly used by teachers and students studying archeological sites.
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However, health professionals are also known to frequent the service, attending to patients on both islands.
The plane itself is a
Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander is
operated by Operated by Flybe or Loganair.
The European city with cheap UK flights, famous lagoon spas and summers where the sun never sets
This aircraft is small, with just eight seats, along with the pilot and co-pilot chairs.
With a record time of just 47 seconds on days where the wind cooperates, the route has been measured as the shortest scheduled passenger flight by the Guinness World Records.
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It was first flown in 1967 and welcomed the one millionth passenger in 2016.
A pilot from one of the islands revealed in a YouTube video that despite flying the route around 5,000 times, he has only accumulated approximately 50 hours in the air.
And while the flight time may seem laughable, the alternative is not an ideal option.
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The 1.7 mile journey is 90 seconds in total, with just 53 of those airborne
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According to
"The boat rocked so violently from side to side I was sure we were going to capsize," he explained.
"Spending 20 minutes on that boat on a 'calm day' was enough to make me never want to set foot on another boat again."
To try the flight out for yourself, however, is a bit more difficult of a venture.
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The aircraft includes eight passenger seats and a pilot and co-pilot seat, with all baggage stored in a cargo hold due to lack of cabin space
Credit: Alamy
The get to Papa Westray from London, you will have to make your way to Aberdeen, and then on to Kirkwall, and finally from Kirkwall to Westray.
But at least you don't need to arrive at the airport too far in advance, with the recommended time being just 10 minutes before departure.
And don't expect to take on your hand luggage, as even small carry on bags are put into the cargo compartment due to the lack of space.
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Flights between the two islands
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The islands include lots of scenic areas includig the bay and village of Pierowall on Westray
Credit: Alamy
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There is a small airport located on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland
Credit: Alamy